Summaries for Blastomycosis

NIH Rare Diseases:42 Blastomycosis is a rare infection that may develop when people inhale a fungus called blastomyces dermatitidis, a fungus that is found in moist soil, particularly where there is rotting vegetation. the fungus enters the body through the lungs, infecting them. the fungus then spreads to other areas of the body.Â the infection may affect the skin, bones and joints, and other areas. the disease usually affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with hivÂ or who have had an organ transplant.
last updated: 12/9/2011

MalaCards based summary: Blastomycosis, also known as infection by blastomyces dermatitidis, is related to north american indian childhood cirrhosis and histoplasmosis, and has symptoms including skin lesions, lung lesions and pleural thickening. An important gene associated with Blastomycosis is ALB (albumin). The drugs itraconazole and fluconazole and the compounds potassium and calcium have been mentioned in the context of this disorder. Affiliated tissues include lung, skin and bone.

Disease Ontology:9 A primary systemic mycosis that results in a systemic fungal infection, has material basis in blastomyces dermatitidis, transmitted by airborne spores and has symptom skin lesions, has symptom lung lesions and has symptom pleural thickening.

CDC:4 Blastomycosis is a disease caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. The fungus lives in moist soil and in association with decomposing organic matter such as wood and leaves. Lung infection can occur after a person inhales airborne, microscopic fungal spores from the environment; however, many people who inhale the spores do not get sick. The symptoms of blastomycosis are similar to flu symptoms, and the infection can sometimes become serious if it is not treated.